Danny Coid has become Stanley’s first summer signing as boss John Coleman starts to make headway in the slog to put together a squad for the new season.

The experienced right-back has joined eight of last season’s out-of-contract squad in agreeing new deals at the Crown Ground.

But Coleman, who had only midfielder Ian Craney under contract as the start of the week, still faces an uphill struggle to sort out his side.

He admitted his surprise at losing centre-back Phil Edwards, who rejected a two-year contract to join League One new boys Stevenage.

Left-back Joe Jacobson has, as expected, gone to Shrewsbury on a two-year contract, while Jimmy Ryan has joined Scunthorpe, also on a two-year deal.

Unlike with Jacobson and Edwards, Stanley will get a fee for Ryan even though he was out of contract, as he is under 24. That fee is set to be decided by tribunal.

"Everyone knows my thoughts on Jimmy Ryan," Coleman said. "He’s a fantastic player who has always conducted himself well, and I wish him all the best for the future."

But while those three players have gone, uncertainty remained over the future of Terry Gornell as Observer Sport went to press.

Gornell, 21, appeared to have agreed a deal with Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday. The Scottish Premier League side issued a statement confirming the deal – but then quickly withdrew it.

Thistle boss Terry Butcher believes he can sign the out-of-contract striker for free under the Bosman ruling, but it is understood that players have to be 23 or over to move between countries for nothing, while there is also a doubt over Alex Cisak’s Stanley future, with the keeper attracting interest from Oldham.

Coleman is getting used to the annual headache of trying to sort out a squad almost from scratch.

He said: "I’ve had to deal with this issue so many times. Jimmy Bell (the assistant manager) and I get put in this situation every year.

"We’re the only club that do things this way, and it’s not ideal."

But Coleman has persuaded Ian Dunbavin, Dean Winnard, Luke Joyce, Peter Murphy, Craig Lindfield, Sean Hessey, Leam Richardson and captain Andrew Procter to commit to new contracts.

"I’m particularly pleased that Andrew Procter has signed," Coleman said. "He had a couple of offers, but since Paul Mullin left, he’s eased his way towards becoming Mr Accrington and is approaching legendary status here. He’s a great lad and a great player.

"I’ve built up a special relationship here with seven or eight players who I trust unconditionally, and Proc falls into that category."

Coid’s experience is also set to be crucial as Stanley bid to build on last season’s run to the League Two play-off semi-finals.

The right-back has ended a 16-year association with Blackpool to move to the Crown Ground.

Coid, 29, joined the Seasiders as a schoolboy in 1995 and played a key role in their rise from what is now League Two to the Premier League.

However, injuries have restricted his chances over the last two seasons.

He didn’t play in the Premier League for the Seasiders last term, making one appearance in the League Cup, and had a spell on loan at Rotherham.

"Danny’s a good experienced player, and I’m delighted to have him signed up," Coleman said.

Stanley have not offered a new contract to Ray Putterill, telling the midfielder that he must prove his fitness to win a new deal.

Former Blackburn and Everton striker Francis Jeffers joined up with Stanley for pre-season training this week, with a view primarily to building up his fitness as he seeks a new club following his release by Motherwell.

Meanwhile, Stanley have now sorted out four pre-season friendlies, with a trip to Radcliffe Borough on Wednesday, July 13 (7.30pm), followed by a home clash with Blackburn on Saturday, July 16 (noon), and trips to Cammell Laird (Tuesday, July 19, 7.45pm) and Marine (Tuesday, July 26, 7.30pm).